I had my first, the torp, last night. I'm not too good with reviews, but here goes...

It looked great, had a decent flavor that I might have enjoyed, if I had a chance. It was partially well constructed. I say that because even though I had a solid ash over 2" long, it was plugged. In at least 2 different spots. To use one of Rob's quotes... "It was like trying to suck on Pam Anderson's left breast using my son's crazy straw."

I spent so much effort trying to smoke this thing, I couldn't concentrate on enjoying the flavor. I had the ash on to about 2 1/2" when the cigar went right out. It stopped at the first plug.

After dropping the ash & relighting, it was just fight after fight as the cigar was still very tight & it still wanted to go out. After the four relights, it went out again & I had had enough.

Will I try it again....I don't know, maybe, but I won't go out of my way to find them. I just should have smoked the El Cobre I had with me instead.

Nashville - CAO, was awarded a '90' rating ("Outstanding") for its most recent release â CAO America â in the October 9 edition of Cigar Insider and was also the 'Featured Cigar' of the issue.

Cigar Insider is the bi-monthly newsletter published by Cigar Aficionado magazine, widely regarded as the ultimate authority on the world of premium cigars. In a feat unprecedented in the history of the premium cigar industry, this marks the tenth CAO cigar line to receive a â90' or above rating from Cigar Insider and Cigar Aficionado.

"We're honored to receive this recognition, and I believe it is a testimony to our continuing efforts in developing blends that are not only unique, but maintain our level of quality, as well," said CAO President Tim Ozgener. "Our goal has always been to produce cigars that are diverse in taste but consistent in excellence; that this is our tenth CAO brand to receive the benchmark â90' rating in just over ten years is a testimony to the hard work everyone has put forth at CAO."

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We cross our bridges when we come to them and burn them behind us, with nothing to show for our progress except a memory of the smell of smoke, and a presumption that once our eyes watered.

Finally tried my first one, I thought it was ok. Defiantly not one of my favorite smokes but had some good flavors, not very complex or challenging. I would say it is on the mild side of medium in body and strength, I have to agree with Skip and CigarSarge that these will not age well at all.

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What's the point in arguing or trying to make sense of something that is lost?

fishhound Wrote:Finally tried my first one, I thought it was ok. Defiantly not one of my favorite smokes but had some good flavors, not very complex or challenging. I would say it is on the mild side of medium in body and strength, I have to agree with Skip and CigarSarge that these will not age well at all.

If anybody gets them from Secret Santa, you better watch out (LOL).

I also had one. As we all know, the wrapper is unique, and it's smooth and rich looking. The first part had an easy draw with a medium body smoke. The ash stayed on for close to two inches, maybe a little less. It started to get a bit harsh after that and it wasn't very hot.

I agree with everyone, not the best smoke, not the worse either but I wouldn't jump at them. I'm glad I did a split and not a box.

fishhound Wrote:Finally tried my first one, I thought it was ok. Defiantly not one of my favorite smokes but had some good flavors, not very complex or challenging. I would say it is on the mild side of medium in body and strength, I have to agree with Skip and CigarSarge that these will not age well at all.

If anybody gets them from Secret Santa, you better watch out (LOL).

I also had one. As we all know, the wrapper is unique, and it's smooth and rich looking. The first part had an easy draw with a medium body smoke. The ash stayed on for close to two inches, maybe a little less. It started to get a bit harsh after that and it wasn't very hot.

I agree with everyone, not the best smoke, not the worse either but I wouldn't jump at them. I'm glad I did a split and not a box.

I should also mention that the construction of this cigar is top notch, a better looking cigar would be hard to find. As to Slowburns post, it confirms what I though. This cigar is better for the newer smokers, it is pretty one dimensional.

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What's the point in arguing or trying to make sense of something that is lost?

Well I am smoking one of theses babies right now. CAO is a brand that I have tried to dislike because of its Italian roots. But I have come to really like the CAO MX2, CX2 is a close favorite of mine, and the Vision.

Montecristo is still my favorite overall brand but I found myself today in the cigar shop humidor acquiring a CAO Vision, Brazilia, and the American Landmark.

As I write this my ash is only an 8th of an inch. This beast is thick and clipping it was a challenge resulting in some slight unrolling. My salivia has managed to keep it in place.

The cigar itself looks beautiful and the red, white, and blue bands look rich and elegant. Lighting was a breeze and I was rewarded with to me an earthy but nutty taste. I sense a slight woodsy blandness but that is not all bad.

Smoke is billowing everywhere and for me that makes a great experience. I am not at all new to cigars but very new to forums and descriptions of reviews. My plan here is to inform you guys that I have tried this cigar and I will write some more opinions later on.

There are cigars that I like better but I am enjoying this one. I feel that it really resembles the flavor of a Rocky Patel Vintage 1992. It does not taste like it but has a relative resemblence.

Finally, thus far my ash is even and the smoke keeps billowing. The thickness of this thing and the slow burn tells me that at 12:16 a.m. I am going to be up for another hour at least.